Improvement in spring-catches for boxes



L. 'MESSER.

Spring Catches for Boxes.

Patented Aug. 3,1875.

In v'enldn. x 4W WWI/K N. PETERS, PHDTwLlTHOGRA UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LOUIS MESSER, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPRlNG-CATCHES FOR BOXES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 166,400, dated August 3,1875; application filed June 23, 1875.

To all whom it may concern: v

Be it known that 1, Lotus MESSER, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Clasp for Boxes, which invention is fully set forth in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, in whichone end, and a series of spurs or projections at its other end, said spring-catch being socured in a recess in one of the sides of the box, and arranged to act in conjunction with ahook, the shank of which passes through the lid of the box, while the inner edge of its head is curved or inclined in such a manner that when the lid is depressed the hook engages with the slot ofthe spring-catch, and thus automatically secures the lid in a locked condition.

In the drawing, the letter A designates the body of a box, which is provided with a hinged lid, B. In the lid near its free edge is secured a hook, a, which is formed of a short piece of wire provided with a head, and which is simply driven through the lid, as sliown in Fig. 2. The inner edge of said hook is curved or inclined, and when the lid is depressed this hook engages with a spring-catch, b. This spring-catch is formed of a thin piece of elastic sheet metal, which is provided with a slot, 0, to receive the hook at, and which is situated in a recess or cavity, 01, formed in the front side of the body A, being retained in position by spurs e, which extend through said front side, and are clinched on the inside.

When it is desired to open the box the springcatch is forced in with the finger, and the lid can be raised. I

It will be seen from this description that my clasp is composed of only two parts, each of which can be manufactured very cheap, and which can be secured to the box in the proper position with the greatest ease and facility.

This clasp is intended particularly for cigarboxes, or for other boxes made of thin boards, and on account of its great cheapness it will be of great benefit for the general public.

What I claim as new, and desire to secure I by Letters Patent, is

The spring-catch 1), formed of elastic sheet metal, with the slot 0, and spurs e e e, in com bination with the hook a, the lid B, and box A, constructed with the recess (1, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of June, 1875.

LOUIS MESSER. [L. s.] Witnesses:

W. HAUFF, E. F. KASTENHUBER. 

